Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Label: DSC Studios
Management: Matt Ott
Website: JohnMcLaughlinandtheRogues.com
Genre: Other
The sound is Eerie Americana. It is like warm dirt & sex. It all is held together with a unified sound and a beautiful gravely voice. This artist stands easily in the ranks of Tom Waits and Nick Cave with on stage presence like BRMC and on two solid artistic feet of their own. On Upright Bass is Sean Dumke, James Redding on guitar and keys, Troy is on the sax and keeping everyone in trouble but on time is Dave Zimmerman on the skins. John fronts the band and plays guitar. This band has to been seen, Help spread the word and support your best unknown, John McLaughlin & the Rogues
“As far as the other great media genres are concerned, John McLaughlin and the Rogues may be comparable to an abstract painting, an...obscure yet valuable corners of the musical world.
John McLaughlin and the Rogues sound hit somewhere between dark Americana, dieselpunk, and “eerie graveyard blues.”
The album is well orchestrated, but the band is best in a live setting. The group has a certain cohesion that is akin to what you might find in an experienced jazz combo. Their solid percussion, jazzy bass, and piano combine to form a strong rhythm section. Trumpet accents, growly vocals and guitar solos further compliment their Tom Waits-esque sound. If you have an ear to lend and an open mind, John McLaughlin and Rogues will certainly deliver.
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Harrison Turner - UWM Post
“John McLaughlin and The Rogues w/ Brew City Bombshells, God’s Outlaw and Uncle Larry @ The Miramar Theatre, 8:40 p.m.
A Milwaukee composer who has earned a reputation for his moody contributions to underground films, John McLaughlin’s latest project is a bluesy, vaudevillian band. John McLaughlin and The Rogues recreate the eerie spirit of early black-and-white films, conjuring antique jazz and Americana with dusty upright bass, violin and accordion. Tonight, the band marks the release of its debut album, Short Stories, a project spawned by McLaughlin’s soundtrack work for an independent film called Bitch. The bill includes performances from the Brew City Bombshells burlesque troupe and sets from the country and rock bands God’s Outlaw and Uncle Larry.”
Rip Tenor - The Shepard Express
“On Sunday I made jaunt to Madison, Wi. .... Little did I know that I would be completely blown away but the opening band: John McLaughlin and the Rouges.
Zoot Suits and an Upright Bass were my first clue that I was going to like them. Add to that a sound that is a brilliant line between old jazz and early swing with just a touch of gravel and soul and I am in love.
The band has a couple of covers, like Minnie the Moocher set to a traditional New Orleans Funeral March and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah which they somehow manage to make even darker and more romantic. But most of the material was original with themes of the dark and fanciful. And, further testament to the genius of the performance is the vocal stylings presented through a mic with the nostalgic look and sound of the 1930's/ 40's Carbon Mics built by John McLaughlin himself.
They have a CD release party in Milwaukee June 4th and if you can make it out you certainly should. It is a show you won't want to miss.
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Kalina Kitten McCreery - K's Music review and blog.
“I will be sure to play some new music tonight including something from John McLaughlin and The Rouges!”
Sarah Jackson - KGLT 91.9 FM (a Public Radio International station)
"Pretty Little Girl" by John Mclaughlin & The Rogues is the Sepiachord Song of the Day.
Sepiachord - Sepiachord
"You are the future of music... in wisconsin and the world"
Wayne Clingman - Film Wisconsin
"I'm loving every second of your music...this is fantastic! so diverse and beautiful"
Lezet, Serbia - Lezet